Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Brunson Update & Ja Morant

Release Date: April 4, 2025

In the third hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest developments surrounding the New York Knicks and the controversial behavior of Memphis Grizzlies' star Ja Morant. This episode offers insightful analysis, heated debates, and critical perspectives on both team dynamics and individual player conduct within the NBA.

1. New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson's Injury and Team Implications

Timestamp: 02:01

The conversation kicks off with an update on Jalen Brunson, the key guard for the New York Knicks. Don La Greca shares that Brunson has participated in practice, raising hopes among fans about his potential return:

Don La Greca (02:02): "He practiced today with the Knicks and participated fully in practice, coming out of it okay."

Alan Hahn and Joe (moderator) discuss the implications of Brunson being upgraded to questionable for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks. The hosts speculate on whether Brunson will play given the Knicks are facing a back-to-back game schedule, likely reserving his return for the home game against the Phoenix Suns.

Notable Insights:

• Team Depth: The Knicks are navigating injuries with players like Deuce McBride and Mitchell Robinson also potentially returning. This depth could provide strategic advantages in the final stretch of the season.
• Final Week Strategy: The hosts debate whether the Knicks can leverage their improved roster to secure critical wins, possibly altering postseason expectations.

Quote:

Alan Hahn (06:04): "How would you be interested in this team and not have an extremely high level of interest on what they look like over the coming days?"

2. Final Week of the NBA Season: Knicks' Postseason Prospects

Timestamp: 06:25

The trio evaluates the Knicks' chances in the remaining five games of the regular season. Key matchups against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are highlighted as potential make-or-break games for solidifying playoff positions.

Key Points:

• Mental Edge: Winning against teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers, even if those teams have already secured their seeds, could boost the Knicks' confidence heading into the playoffs.
• Strategic Adjustments: Discussion on how returning players like Brunson and Robinson could enhance both offensive and defensive strategies, potentially transforming the team's performance.

Quote:

Don La Greca (08:00): "With Brunson back and Mitchell Robinson healthy, the team is looking different and better defensively."

3. Transition to NBA Highlight: Ja Morant's Controversy

Timestamp: 29:02

After covering the Knicks, the podcast shifts focus to a significant NBA story involving Ja Morant, a promising young star from the Memphis Grizzlies. The hosts explore Morant's troubling behavior both on and off the court, raising concerns about his impact on his potential legacy and the NBA's image.

Key Issues Discussed:

• Behavioral Incidents: Morant has been fined multiple times for on-court gestures that resemble gun pointing, which is particularly problematic given his past incidents involving gun-related controversy.
• League's Response: The NBA has warned Morant and his teammates to cease these behaviors, emphasizing the inappropriateness and potential damage to his and the league's reputation.

Notable Quotes:

Don La Greca (45:07): "This is why a lot of people are frustrated with the future of the NBA. Ja Morant is contributing to that narrative."

Alan Hahn (49:10): "It's disappointing. The league is desperate for a new generation of star players, and he was supposed to be one of them."

Comparisons and Consequences:

• Allen Iverson Parallel: Don recounts Allen Iverson’s early career missteps, highlighting how Iverson learned from his mistakes about representing the league.
• Potential Fallout: The hosts express concern that Morant's actions could derail his chances of becoming the next marquee face of the NBA, similar to LeBron James or Steph Curry.

Quote:

Don La Greca (52:37): "You're trying to be the face of this league, but you're doing damage to your reputation."

4. Host Interactions and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively banter, sharing personal stories and engaging with listener interactions. Notably, Alan Hahn recounts an awkward moment on "First Take" involving an argument with Kendrick Perkins about the importance of Austin Reaves to the Lakers:

Quote:

Alan Hahn (37:02): "I had an argument with Kendrick Perkins about the Lakers, debating whether Austin Reaves is the most important player."

This segment adds a personal touch, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and differing perspectives on current sports topics.

5. Advertisements and Promotions

The episode includes several advertisements and promotional messages for brands such as Bath Fitter, TaxAct, Shopify, FanDuel, Lowe's, and Blinds.com. These segments are interspersed between content discussions but are not the focus of the episode's primary content.

6. Closing Remarks and Tournament Update

As the episode nears its end, the hosts provide a brief update on the NCAA Final Four and wrap up ongoing MLB conversations, particularly focusing on the Mets' strong performance and the Yankees' offensive surge. However, the main focus remains on wrapping up thoughts on the Knicks and the Ja Morant controversy.

Conclusion

In this hour, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg effectively balance team-specific updates with broader league-wide issues, offering listeners a comprehensive view of current sports dynamics. The detailed discussion on the Knicks' late-season prospects and the critical analysis of Ja Morant's behavior provide both fans and casual listeners with valuable insights into the evolving narratives within professional sports.

Final Quote:

Don La Greca (49:23): "Sometimes you listen to people who tell you what you want to hear instead of the people that tell you what you need to hear. And that is exactly what's going on with John Morant right now."

For those looking to stay informed on the latest in New York sports and beyond, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg continue to deliver engaging and thoughtful discussions every weekday afternoon on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and through smart speakers.